On the other side.
So…my memories…
Index's voice trembled so much it was almost inaudible.
Every year a blank space disappears... Is it because of you?
Kanzaki Kaori stood before her, her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.
This usually valiant and heroic saint was now like a child who had done something wrong, unable to look Index in the eye.
After revealing the truth to Index, her heart was filled with pain that eroded her every second.
Yes.
Kanzaki's voice was low and hoarse.
The space was deathly silent.
Shirai Kuroko's eyes widened.
Misaki Shokuhou's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, while Misaka Mikoto frowned deeply.
But everyone's attention was focused on the little nun.
Index's shoulders began to tremble slightly, then more and more violently.
She looked up, her emerald eyes brimming with tears.
Why...didn't you tell me?
Her voice broke.
I trusted you all so much, I trusted the church, I trusted... the Lord...
Every word Index said pierced Kanzaki's heart like a knife.
She remembered the first time she met Index—that innocent little girl, praying devoutly and trusting the church wholeheartedly.
But she wanted to erase that innocence herself.
His Holiness the bishop once said that everything was for you…
Kanzaki managed to squeeze out the words with difficulty, feeling as if each word was burning her throat.
ha?
Misaki Shokuhou suddenly let out a sharp, cold laugh.
What a noble excuse! The magician is far more foolish than I imagined.
Although Shirai Kuroko didn't say anything, her eyes flashed with disapproval.
Misaka Mikoto gently tugged at Shokuhou's sleeve, signaling her not to provoke Kanzaki Kaori any further.
Index seemed oblivious to the surrounding chatter.
Her gaze was vacant as she stared into the distance, tears silently streaming down her face.
All the memories I cherish, all the doctrines I try to remember, every prayer, every smile…
Her voice grew softer and softer.
Are they... all fake?
Kanzaki could no longer bear it.
She suddenly knelt down in front of Index, her forehead almost touching the ground.
sorry!
Her voice was filled with unprecedented pain.
I know an apology won't change anything, but I'm really...really sorry!
I thought... I was protecting you.
Kanzaki's voice choked with emotion.
But now I understand, I was just hurting you.
Index slowly raised her hand.
I gently touch my temples, as if confirming the existence of the memory.
Every time I wake up, I feel a strange emptiness...
She murmured to herself: Now I finally know why.
Kanzaki raised her head.
I saw the light in Index's eyes gradually fading.
Those are the traces of a collapsing faith.
As a former devout believer.
Kanzaki knew better than anyone how painful this feeling was.
I don't ask for your forgiveness.
Kanzaki straightened up, but remained kneeling.
But I want to tell you the truth, the whole truth.
She took a deep breath and decided to stop hiding anything.
Today, we were also preparing to perform memory erasure, if it weren't for their intervention...
Her gaze fell upon Misaka Mikoto and the other two.
Misaka Mikoto crossed her arms over her chest.
Hmph, I wouldn't stand by and watch someone die if I encountered that kind of situation.
Shirai Kuroko's expression was also not good.
You're behaving like murderers who bully the weak. If I could beat you, I would have arrested you.
Oh.
Misaki Shokuhou sneered.
I was just dragged into this by those two idiots.
Kanzaki did not refute this.
She endured every single accusation.
Because all of these are true.
His gaze shifted to Index, his eyes filled with regret.
Her clenched fists trembled slightly, and there was a deep-seated anger at being deceived.
I will return to the Puritan Church and confront the bishop face to face.
Upon hearing this, Misaki Shokuhou scoffed.
Oh? And then? You were expelled from the family by your kind bishop?
I don't care.
Kanzaki's voice became firm.
I am one of the saints; at least I can get her to give an explanation.
Misaka Mikoto frowned and stopped her.
Wait, what will happen to that guy if you leave now?
She pointed to Steel, whose time had been frozen by Ling Qing.
We can't let him continue like this, can we?
Kanzaki was stunned.
She had indeed forgotten about Stiyl, who was affected by Ling Qing's abilities.
Although Stiyl is stubborn, he is still her comrade-in-arms. She can't abandon him.
I suggest we wait until Ling Qing returns before making a decision.
Misaka Mikoto suggested: "After all, it was his time that was frozen, so he should know how to unfreeze it."
Kanzaki hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.
She turned to Index and found the little nun looking at her with a complicated expression.
There are emotions like pain and confusion in it.
But strangely, there was no hatred.
Index…
Index remained silent for a long time, so long that Kanzaki thought she would never speak again.
But she still spoke up.
I forgive you.
The four words struck Kanzaki's heart like a thunderbolt.
She looked up in disbelief.
What?
I said, I forgive you.
Index repeated, her voice soft but firm.
Because I understand your pain.
Kanzaki Kaori's tears finally burst forth.
She never expected to be forgiven, let alone that this forgiveness would come from the victim herself.
You don't have to...
She said, her voice choked with emotion.
I know.
Index smiled, though her eyes were still filled with tears.
But this is much easier than hating you.
She looked out the window at the moonlit night, which brought her peace.
Kanzaki could no longer control herself.
She went up to Index and hugged her tightly, crying like a child.
I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...
Index gently patted her back with her small hand, as if comforting a child having a nightmare.
The victim is comforting the perpetrator.
This scene was both absurd and touching.
...